Terry Corbett

Why did you get involved with Fusion Factory?

I’m a Mancunian creative who loves personal storytelling through different mediums and finding new ways to tell them. And after seeing lots of unique diverse work at Aviva Studios, I kind of compare it to entering "The Chocolate Factory" equivalent for storytellers.

Giving Manchester people a voice through creative projects such as Fusion Factory, I believe helps people in our communities warm more to art establishments through the inclusion of us in these unique projects.

What do you think you bring to the group?

Apart from my Mancunian roots, I’m a creative artist living with disabilities. I act, write, produce film/theatre and devise unique creative projects in the city. Just as important, I’m someone who has come through both mental health and addiction services.

In my recovery I’ve always worked in ways to bring these worlds together. I hopefully bring a lot of experience in storytelling and real life, as well as bringing an honest, open approach to creating.

What one item would you take to a desert island and why?

Hear me out on this one! I’ve not been shipwrecked yet, so have time to invent my thing. I’ll create a 3D printer with an inbuilt generator that is powered through water. So, when I’m on the beach in my loin cloth with a massive beard, I will collect all the plastic (tut tut) washed ashore and then recycle it to design/produce all the 3D tools needed to build my cabin. No boat though, because I’m staying…Voila!

Roger Muñoz

Why did you get involved with Fusion Factory?

I wanted to be part of this project for its bold vision of inclusivity and collaboration, offering a chance to co-create something dynamic with diverse voices and local communities. I'm passionate about connecting with people, and this project offers a unique space for that. It’s also an exciting change from my daily routine, providing a creative outlet and something to look forward to. Being part of this initiative feels meaningful and energizing, combining purpose with a fresh, inspiring challenge.

What do you think you bring to the group?

I bring resilience, energy and adaptability to the group. Moving from Venezuela to Manchester required overcoming cultural shocks and language barriers, teaching me to embrace challenges and step out of my comfort zone. Friends call me a "social butterfly" because of my ability to make others feel included. I'm adaptable—listening and learning when needed or leading with passion and collaboration. I believe shared values strengthen teamwork, helping us navigate differences for inclusive and creative outcomes.

What one item would you take to a desert island and why?

A journal with a lot of blank pages! Writing and sketching would help me process ideas, spark creativity, and stay grounded. If I were on a desert island, this would be my way to document the adventure, reflect on the experience, and keep my imagination alive. And if it were ever found, others could learn and live through my experiences.

Emma Naughton

Why did you get involved with Fusion Factory?

I've always been interested in the Arts, so I couldn't pass up the opportunity to see behind the scenes of how an exhibition is produced, and be able to influence and help create one. I have immense respect for what Factory International are doing and I think this kind of venue and cultural space is what Manchester has been missing, so it's been fantastic to work with them and other members from around Manchester.

What do you think you bring to the group?

I've always considered myself a creative person, I work as a fashion/costume designer and many of my hobbies are centred around art/creativity. I view being creative as a way of thinking which is crucial to thinking outside the box and producing something new. I also like to be in a state of "play" a lot of the time which helps with idea generation as it break down limitations that we might self-impose.

What one item would you take to a desert island and why?

It would have to be something practical like a good hunting knife so that I could actually survive on a desert island and use it to build shelter, make food etc. If you have the basic tools you need, then it makes a lot of things possible!

Clare Bayat

Why did you get involved with Fusion Factory?

Honestly, who wouldn’t want the chance to help shape something massive, bold and meaningful for Manchester? Plus, I thought, “Why not get involved in something that allows me feel like a creative genius while secretly learning from everyone else?”

It’s an incredible opportunity to experience the world of artistic events through Factory International, to meet new people, and create something unique for our city.

Manchester is known for its creativity, resilience, and community spirit, and this project felt like the perfect way to celebrate all of that.

What do you think you bring to the group?

As a proud and seasoned Mancunian, I can offer a local insight and a warm welcome to all whilst ensuring the project resonates with Greater Manchester’s communities both old and new.

I know how important it is that our city’s diversity is reflected in what we create, and I’ll make sure we keep it real, honest and a safe place for amplifying diverse voices.

Oh, and I can definitely crack a joke or two to keep the vibes up during the creative process

What one item would you take to a desert island and why?

A coffee machine, obviously. I need something to keep me going while I’m busy figuring out how to turn a random pile of coconuts into the next big idea.

Plus, let’s be real—who’s going to rescue me if I can’t offer them a decent brew?

Sheri Lawal

Why did you get involved with Fusion Factory?

After being part of the First Breath project, I really wanted to continue being involved and connected to the Factory International community. Co-curating a piece of work for Manchester locals (and beyond) sounded like a great challenge

The engagement team were so thoughtful and supportive that applying for this opportunity was an easy decision. I did wonder if I could juggle it with being a mum, but I’ve managed so far and I’m really enjoying it.

What do you think you bring to the group?

Although I’m not an artist, I’ve always loved the arts. I think I bring curiosity, a willingness to ask questions, and a practical mindset to the group. These qualities help us navigate challenges and explore ideas from different perspectives.

What one item would you take to a desert island, and why?

I’d bring something that helps me stay comfortable like a cosy blanket or a hammock. If I’m going to be stranded, I want to make the most of it and enjoy the experience as much as I can!

Fae Wolfe

Why did you get involved with Fusion Factory?

Factory International's initiative to collaborate with diverse members of the Manchester community to create events was my primary motivation for getting involved. Although the task felt ambitious, it stood out to me as a unique opportunity where our individual contributions collectively shape something larger—something that will be shared with Manchester’s wider community. I wanted to be a part of that journey and contribute to its story.

What do you think you bring to the group?

I bring my quiet, grounded presence to the group, along with the intersectional lenses through which I view the world. It feels important to name my reflexive identity to understand what shapes my perspective: I come from a lower working-class background, with Black African and white British mixed-heritage ancestry. I am queer, a feminist, and a mother. Each of these facets influence what I contribute and how I shape the group. This happens in ways I can name and am yet to learn.

What one item would you take to a desert island and why?

This question doesn’t provide enough context to determine whether I’d be stranded on the desert island or simply visiting it. If I were just visiting, I’d bring a book, because reading is a luxury, plus, when I finished the book, I could do my own discourse analysis on the text, ha. However, if I were going there to be stranded, I’d bring a massive torch lighter for starting fires, cooking, and smoke signalling.

Sophia Sanderson

Why did you get involved with Fusion Factory?

I got involved with Fusion Factory because I was excited about the opportunity to collaborate with others in shaping creative projects that reflect the diverse voices of our communities. The idea of being part of a group that influences what is showcased at Aviva Studios really resonated with me, as I’m passionate about ensuring the arts are inclusive and representative. I also saw it as a chance to develop my own skills, build confidence in creative spaces, and gain a deeper understanding of the process behind putting on an event. The mix of creativity, learning, and community engagement made this opportunity irresistible.

What do you think you bring to the group?

I bring my intuition, which helps me sense the needs of the group and navigate discussions thoughtfully. I also bring playfulness, especially once I feel comfortable, which helps create a fun and open environment where creativity can flow. Lastly, I bring optimism, always looking for solutions and encouraging the group to stay motivated, even when faced with challenges.

What one item would you take to a desert island and why?

I’d take a solar-powered karaoke machine and a note book with lyrics to all my favourite tunes. Technically that's two items, I know, but if I'm going to be stranded, I might as well put on a show for the local wildlife and turn the island into the best gig spot in the middle of nowhere.

Cheryl Struckman

Why did you get involved with Fusion Factory?

Being a creative person with a love for the arts, I liked the idea of participating in a new and different type of project (for me). Having a real voice to help create, shape and influence an art form for Manchester through collaborating with a diverse group of people, sharing and building on thoughts, ideas, experience and creativity. A needed antidote to the traumatic and destabilising past 12 months and counting.

What do you think you bring to the group?

A friendly, down-to-earth, compassionate and understanding nature. An enthusiasm to contribute and work collaboratively as part of a unique and diverse team, sharing thoughts, ideas, differing outlooks and perspectives to achieve our end goal. Actively listening to and encouraging other Fusion members to have a voice and share their experience, thoughts and ideas. The ability to question or query, whether for better understanding/clarity or to promote further discussion and exploration.

What one item would you take to a desert island and why?

I would take music as it's something I feel deep down in my soul. Encapsulating my very being, it's the reason I love to sing and dance. Its magical healing properties have the ability to transport you to another place or dimension, make you happy, make you cry, motivate and gear you up, calm you down, unlock creativity, inspire, tell relatable stories, evoke memories, temporarily forget but importantly unite and bring people together.